Perioperative factors influencing neurocognitive outcomes in infants

Neonates have a higher perioperative mortality risk largely due to the premorbid state of the infants and the complex nature of many of the surgeries. Another contributing factor is the rapidly changing physiology of neonates especially during the first 3 days of life. The perioperative management of these critically ill neonates may affect their cerebral perfusion and ultimately neurocognitive outcomes. This article discusses perioperative techniques to maximize cerebral perfusion.